According to a new analysis, the planned lithium mining in the Eastern Ore Mountains offers both opportunities and potential for conflict. On the one hand, there is the prospect of new jobs as well as economic and regional development, according to the Saxony State Directorate on completion of the spatial impact assessment. On the other hand, there are potential impacts on near-natural spring areas and watercourses, the water balance, nearby spa and recreational resorts and the Ore Mountains/Krušnohoří World Heritage Site.
The aim of this process is to identify problems at an early stage and find solutions, explained Béla Bélafi, head of the authority. Around 600 members of the public had submitted comments, as had 50 public bodies. "The result is not a decision," emphasized Bélafi. The Upper Mining Authority is responsible for the approval process.
